If you're willing to pay $200 for a used XO, would you pay $200 for a new one?

OLPC should bring back the Give 1 Get 1 program. I understand there's a Win 1 Give 1, but you don't know if you won a laptop until May 2012. Plus, the chances of winning are slim. With Give 1 Get 1, you just pay OLPC $400 and you get a laptop, plus another poor kid gets one. Also, since half of that payment counts as a donation, you may be able to write off $200 from your taxes, and I know everyone likes to pay less taxes! The bottom line is this: if you write off $200 from your taxes because half of the price counts as donating, you get a laptop and another poor kid gets one, but you only have to pay for 1 laptop. It's like a buy 1 donate 1 free deal.

Also, I've seen eBay sales of the XO's. Someone was willing to pay $200 for a used XO-1. I saw someone paid $490 for a used XO-1.5! If people are willing to pay that price for a used XO, wouldn't they be willing to pay the same price for a new one (and also to be able to donate 1)?

OLPC, if you get the chance to read this, I hope you consider reviving Give 1 Get 1.

I completely agree with you! The OLPC authority should reconsider their decision and get back G1G1 offer soon. And also NGO's working in under developed countries should take necessary steps to make OLPC project a success. Thanks for sharing your view.

My grandson is at the age where a tough and kid-friendly computer is an appropriate birthday present. I was disappointed that the G1G1 program had been discontinued. I bought my oldest grandson an iPod Touch and my daughter a Kindle Fire, so I would definitely buy a $200 - $300 computer that would also benefit another child.

Since Mr. Negroponte spoke at an Inter American Press Association meeting I have been following the developments of One Laptop Per Child and as on Aruba we would not be eligible for donations, I would have loved having the G1G1 program to get my daughter an XO and donate one to Peru (my husband's birthplace), where yesterday 60,000 laptops were destroyed in a fire.My daugther is 5 and I consider the XO the best thing around for her right now, but I cannot get her one. Not only for her, but if we could purchase the XO directly or G1G1, I am sure we could get more people to contribute.

I agree. I saw a kid using one in Uruguay and had to keep my hand away from a $400 bribe!

The XO2&3 are unique in what they do. Why not profit in normal markets too? I certainly want one. It would be the best application in a campervan, Yacht or when traveling when power is at a premium and we want to be outside.